Hello darlings! It’s your fabulous Pink Tutu Sparkles here, writing to you live from the wonderful, wild, and slightly chaotic town of Barking! Oh my, what a day it's been! Buckle up buttercup, it's time for another adventure in the world of Pink Tutu.
You know me, I'm always on the lookout for a new sparkly adventure, and Barking just seemed to call to me like a chorus of singing angels in a pink tulle ballgown!
Honestly, the journey here was half the fun. Now, I'm not saying the journey from Derbyshire (oh, it's always good to shout out the home turf!) was anything less than an epic adventure, but let's just say this is where things get exciting!
You know, darling, when you get your mind set on a destination, a good, old-fashioned train ride is my top pick. But this time, I did things a little differently. It's cough cough been a long time since I was on horseback! Let's just say my backside needs some time to recover after that wild ride - and trust me, I wasn't even going for any fancy equestrian show! This was me, in full Pink Tutu glory, riding side saddle across the Derbyshire fields. There were definitely some curious glances, a few double takes, but I swear I even saw a smile from that grumpy farmer. You'd be surprised, a little Pink Tutu joy goes a long way.
So, Barking, here I come! Landing in this bustling metropolis felt like entering a giant, neon-lit circus, and I'm not just talking about the tube station! Honestly, the people! So diverse, so colourful! Just the kind of vibrant energy that gets my Tutu all a-flutter. Speaking of flutter... what a wonderful way to introduce my new pink-tutu-obsessed pal, Poppy! I'm talking about a full-blown, feathers-a-flutter pink ballerina Tutu with all the frills, ruffles, and sparkles a girl could ever dream of! (I know, I know, I have issues.)
The moment I laid eyes on this glorious creature, it was love at first sight. There I was, standing at the back of a quaint little haberdashery (yes, I still adore a good old fashioned fabric shop!) and BAM! There she was. A dream come true! It had just enough sparkle for an all-night rave in a rainbow of colours and almost felt good enough to eat, I mean, who wouldn't want to snuggle up in that tulle softness? Oh, you're already blushing too, are we?
Now, I don’t want to bore you with the technicalities of travelling to a new city! I know you are just as excited about what awaits. But believe me, the anticipation building up in this girly tummy just like a beautiful fluffy meringue before baking, that excitement made the train ride and even my short time with Poppy at the haberdashery just...whizz Oh, sorry, got a little sidetracked with the deliciousness of Poppy!
My real destination today was to take a look at a local ballet performance at Barking Town Hall. My inner-tutu-wearing-ballerina just had to be here. Of course, I'm all for watching some professional dancers put on a beautiful show, but what I was really waiting for was the 'community ballet' performance. Imagine a world where little girls, teenage ballet students, and even some older ladies who just want to express themselves in a beautiful, artistic way take to the stage. I am totally there for it, my dears!
Honestly, my whole week felt like it culminated at Barking Town Hall. I went as the sassy Pink Tutu Sparkles for the opening act - they called it a 'light entertainment act'. Can't help but be slightly amused, they are always afraid of our Pink Tutu Queen - it's all so cute really, so they want to give their guests something familiar and 'harmless' as an introduction! But hey, no judgment darlings! This little Tutu Queen always needs to bring the glam. So, there I was - shimmering under the stage lights, a magnificent burst of pink joy! I may even have got a round of applause, (which totally didn’t make my chest swell with pride… Okay, yes, it totally did!).
Now, I do know I've just talked about a few different things so far, a train, a haberdashery, a wild horseback ride, a ballerina tutu, but remember, darling, it's my journey! All of this fits into what is beautiful and extraordinary for me! This is the essence of my pink tutu universe where life is beautiful and everyone needs to live in a moment of 'Pink Tutu Sparkles.'!
But I don't want to leave you hanging! This isn't about a random story about a wild week in Pink Tutu World. Remember that part where I said 'community ballet'? This isn't just a fun story, this is a mission statement! A mission of joy and hope - all because I get to wear my favorite pink tutu.
See, my real purpose here is to make everyone put on their own pink tutu. Okay, it might not be a traditional tutu for everyone - I get it! Some of us are all about a good old pair of jeans and a cool t-shirt. And there's nothing wrong with that, darling! It's the energy and joy I want you to embrace.
I may be a flamboyant, sequin-obsessed Pink Tutu Queen with a passion for life that sometimes has everyone staring at me like I landed from another planet, but really I’m just a simple gal, living the life that I love and reminding everyone that it is OK to do exactly the same. Now, my little ones, before I leave, let's talk about our little town of Barking. Let’s get into some real tips, shall we?
Things to do and see
- The Barking Abbey – A truly awe-inspiring sight for its sheer size and grandeur. The Abbey was built as a monastery way back in the year 1075! (Yes, the same year William the Conqueror was crowned king in 1066!). It is definitely worth exploring with its medieval architecture, interesting museum and stunning grounds, there's even a beautiful little café tucked away in one corner! Don't forget to stop for a scone! I wouldn't have been here, but I saw someone sitting with their scone, looking very 'Pink Tutu worthy', so I decided it would be rude to refuse.
- Barking Park: The park itself has everything to make it an amazing day trip out: a great pond, loads of fun stuff for the children to do, beautiful flower beds in the summertime, a cafe with plenty of space (they even had tables under the willow tree!), a small playground with the biggest slide you've ever seen (seriously, it's got to be ten meters tall!) and all surrounded by greenery with some stunning pathways. If I had more time, I'd even attempt to take my trusty trusty steed for a ride on these paths, perhaps another adventure, but I doubt Poppy is going to survive another horseback journey after that wild adventure into town today!
- Barking Town Hall: Well, I think I have covered that, don't I? Honestly, a must see if you enjoy community theatre and want to be in a fun-loving crowd, and remember to catch one of the many exhibitions that happen throughout the year.
- The East Ham Royal Walk through Park: Yes, darling, I really am going for those quieter places, those magical gems often missed! Just behind Barking Station, this beautiful space of green opens to reveal the most amazing tree tunnel with an area just dedicated to its native bird population. If I could wear a Tutu on a train ride (trust me I tried once!), then I would jump off and go take a look myself! Maybe in a later blog, but until then just imagine all of those Pink Tutu Sparks...Oh my!
Oh my, but before I end for today, don’t forget that life is for living and embracing every beautiful little thing about ourselves! And yes, wearing a Pink Tutu does actually help you to do that - why don't you try it out! Maybe next week I'll be trying out some new dance steps, but remember you never know when this pink Tutu Queen will come flying into your town!
And with a final ‘ta-ta' and a wave of my Pink Tutu, I'll leave you with a smile and the hope of Pink Tutu love for all.
And if you're ever wanting to feel the Pink Tutu energy and have a blast, you know where to find me, on www.pink-tutu.com
